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Resources And Support | Overview

  • Boston Children’s Care for Children with Medical Complexity delivers essential medical care to children with birth defects, genetic disorders, and other multifaceted health care needs. Please call 617-355-6162 for more information.
  • The Experience Journal was designed by Boston Children’s psychiatrist-in-chief David DeMaso, MD, and members of his team. This online collection features thoughts, reflections, and advice from kids and caregivers about going through a variety of medical and emotional experiences.
  • The Department of Spiritual Care (chaplaincy) is a source of spiritual support for parents and family members. Our program includes nearly a dozen clergy members — representing Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Unitarian, and United Church of Christ traditions — who will listen to you, pray with you, and help you observe your own faith practices during your child’s treatment.
  • Boston Children’s Hale Family Center for Families is dedicated to helping families locate the information and resources they need to better understand their child’s particular condition and take part in their care. All patients, families, and health professionals are welcome to use the center’s services at no extra cost. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call 617-355-6279 for more information.
  • For children and families affected by life-threatening illness, our Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) is available to provide supportive treatments intended to optimize the quality of life and promote healing and comfort. In addition, PACT can provide emotional support and help arrange end-of-life care when necessary. Please visit the PACT webpage or call 617-632-5042 for more information.
  • Boston Children’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers a free booklet, “Helping Your Child with Medical Experiences: A Practical Parent Guide." Topics in the booklet include:
    • talking to your child about his or her condition
    • preparing for surgery and hospitalization
    • supporting siblings
    • taking care of yourself during your child’s illness
    • adjusting to life after treatment

Helpful links for parents and families

Please note that neither Boston Children’s Hospital nor the Psychiatry Consultation Service at Boston Children’s unreservedly endorses all of the information found at the sites listed below. These links are provided as a resource.